U7 Academy Program Overview

Enjoyment and player development meet through the combination of technical skill practices and fun, soccer-style games focused on maximizing the time each player has with the ball. All players are placed on teams of up to seven players and meet once per week for ten weeks each Wednesday beginning in mid-August for training with San Ramon FC’s professional coaching staff, and also play up to 10 league games on weekends starting the Saturday following Labor Day.

All U7 players are assigned to ONE 60-minute weekly practice session focused on coordination and individual skill development with San Ramon FC's professional coaches. In addition to the club-led practice each week, volunteer coaches are able to add an additional team practice if they choose, though not required.

The weekend games are formatted into small-sided 5v5 games (4 + goalkeeper) which consist of two 20-minute halves. While San Ramon FC’s professional coaching staff conducts the players through the weekly skill sessions/practices, it is the volunteer head coaches who are designated to lead their respective teams on game day. All games are held at Pine Valley Middle School: 3000 Pine Valley Road, San Ramon CA 94583.

Coaching

Coaches are selected by the Development Director from parent volunteers who express interest. Volunteering to coach offers a rewarding opportunity to work with children and build their skills and self-esteem. All coaches and assistant coaches are required to get fingerprinted and clear a background check. SRFC provides support to volunteer coaches by providing coaching curriculum handouts and free coaching clinics beginning in August.

Team Formation

U7 recreational teams are formed in late July and players are assigned to teams by the San Ramon FC staff.

Coaches will notify players of their team placement by August 5th.

Playing Rules

Pine Valley Middle School Field Layout

Additional Programming

Players interested in supplemental training can improve their skills by registering for San Ramon FC’s Junior Skills Academy. The Junior Skills Academy professional staff specializes in youth skill development and the program runs during three separate seasons - spring, fall and winter.

In addition, summer camps, futsal leagues (indoor soccer), private training and special skills clinics are optional programs for those in search of additional training. The additional programming comes with additional costs and detailed information can be found by clicking on the Junior Skills Academy tab. Please check the club web site and watch for club emails for details on location, time, and cost.